AU2016222427A1 - An electrical access system - Google Patents

Description

1 2016222427 01 Sep 2016

AN ELECTRICAL ACCESS SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical access system for accessing a secured delivery space.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] Deliverers, such as couriers, deliver packages to various locations. Normally, the recipient of a delivery must confirm receipt by way of signature. However, the recipient is not always present and many deliverers are reluctant to simply leave a delivery unattended.

[0004] Secure containers can be provided which enable a deliverer to securely leave a delivery when there is nobody to receive it. A known secure container includes a user interface for receiving a unique access code to access the container once. Another code is required to re-access the container so that thieves cannot monitor code entry by the deliverer, and then later reuse the access code themsleves.

[0005] Although code expiry is advantageous, a problem arises if the deliverer must return to their vehicle for further packages and the container locks, because the access code cannot be reused to regain access to the container when delivering further packages.

[0006] The preferred embodiment provides an electrical access system which enables a deliverer to lock the container and return to their vehicle between delivering multiple packages, without the thief later gaining access with the same code.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 2 2016222427 01 Sep 2016 [0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical access system for accessing a secured delivery space, the system including: an electric release which can release an access to the secured delivery space; an actuator for actuating the electric release responsive to receipt of an access code using a user interface; and the user interface for receiving the access code, and for further receiving an access termination so that the actuator will no longer actuate the release responsive to receipt of the access code.

[0008] Advantageously, the access code may be reused to access the secured delivery space multiple times before access termination. In this manner, a deliverer can lock the secured delivery space and return to their vehicle between delivering multiple packages, without a thief later gaining access with the same access code that has been terminated.

[0009] The secured delivery space may include a room. The secured delivery space may include a refrigerator or other cold storage. The access may include a door or garage door. The electric release may include an electric strike or garage door opener (GDO).

[00010] The user interface may include a touchscreen display. The user interface may include a keypad located external the delivery space with the associated processing circuitry located internal the delivery space. The user interface may include a display housing for housing the display and located outside the secured delivery space. The display may include a wakeup actuator for waking up the electrical access system.

[00011] The system may include a digital processor. The actuator may include an electrical controller, in turn, including a control housing. The control housing may be located internal to the secured delivery space. The system may further include a backup battery for powering the electrical access system. The system may further include a charger for charging the battery. The battery and charger may be located in the control housing. The system may further include a solar or mains power supply for powering the electrical access system. The system may further include a relay for relaying a signal to the electric release. The system may further include a relay driver. 3 2016222427 01 Sep 2016 [00012] The system may include a logger for logging operational events of the electrical access system.

[00013] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a electrical access method for accessing a secured delivery space, the method including: receiving an access code; releasing an access to the secured delivery space responsive to receipt of the access code; and receiving an access termination so that the access will no longer be released responsive to receipt of the access code.

[00014] The method may further involve processing details of a delivery. The method may involve placing the electrical access system to sleep. The method may involve waking up the electrical access system. The method further involves prompting for access termination. The method may involve retaining the code for further access. The method may involve receiving electronic contact details.

[00015] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00016] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [00017] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electrical access system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [00018] Figure 2 is a flowchart of an electrical access method using the system of Figure 1; 4 2016222427 01 Sep 2016 [00019] Figure 3 shows various floorplan layouts of the electrical access system of Figure 1; and [00020] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an electrical access system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electrical access system 100 shown in Figure 1 and for accessing a secured delivery space such as a delivery room. The system 100 includes an electric strike release 102 which can release a door 103 (i.e. access) to the secured delivery space. An electrical controller 104 (i.e. actuator) is provided for electrically actuating the electric release 102 responsive to receipt of an access code using a touch screen user interface 106. The user interface 106 receives the access code, and further receives an access code termination so that the controller 104 will no longer actuate the release 102 responsive to receipt of the access code.

[00022] Advantageously, the access code can be reused to access the secured delivery space multiple times before access termination. In this manner, a deliverer can lock the secured delivery space and return to their vehicle between delivering multiple packages, without a thief later gaining access with the same access code that has been terminated.

[00023] The user interface 106 includes a steel display housing for housing a tablet (touch screen display). The user interface 106 is located outside the secured delivery space and so the display housing is fitted with a removable waterproof cover. The user interface 106 includes a wakeup actuator 108 for waking up the electrical access system 100 from a low power sleep mode. The user interface 106 further includes a code terminator actuator 110 for generating the access code termination to terminate the access code. The code terminator actuator 110 can be accomplished using a keypad by selecting to reuse or discard the access code. 5 2016222427 01 Sep 2016 [00024] The user interface 106 includes a digital processor 112 executing a software product 114, in the form of machine readable instructions, to control the system 100. A database 116 is provided for logging system operational events.

[00025] The controller 104 further includes a lockable control housing 117 in which electrical power components are stored. The control housing 117 is located internal to the secured delivery space for security purposes. The system 100 further includes a back-up battery 118 for powering the electrical access system 100. The system 100 further includes a charger 120 for charging the battery 118. The battery 118 and charger 120 are located in the control housing 117 and the battery 118 can power the user interface 106 in the event of a mains power outage. The system 100 further includes solar power supply 122 and mains power supply 124 for powering the electrical access system 100 including the user interface 106. The system 100 further includes a relay 126 for relaying a release signal to the electric release 102. A relay driver 128, in the form of a digital IO device, that connects to the user interface 106 via a USB cable, is also housed in the control housing 117.

[00026] The system 100 further includes a door sensor 130 for sensing whether or not the door 103 is open.

[00027] An electrical access method 200 for accessing the secured delivery space is now described with reference to Figure 2.

[00028] Storing, editing and deleting orders [00029] Initially, at step 202, the method 200 involves the processor 112 processing details of a delivery entered by a manager either using the user interface 106 or remotely using an internet connection. The manager can store, edit and delete delivery orders.

[00030] Firstly, a management passcode is entered into the user interface 106 by the manager, and the manager presses a displayed unlock button. The displayed screen changes to Management Mode. Details stored in database 116 include: Name of person placing the order; Goods ordered; Time and date; Name of store Portal Access Code (supplied by the owner); and Tracking Number (supplied by the freight company). 6 2016222427 01 Sep 2016 [00031] Orders can be added, edited and deleted. When the manager has finished processing details of the delivery, the manager presses a displayed Return to Code Entry Screen Button. For security, the user interface 106 will automatically return to a code entry screen after 1 minute of inactivity.

[00032] The processor 112 will put the user interface 106 to sleep after 10 minutes of inactivity. The processor 112 acts as a logger and a time stamped log of all access events is maintained in the database 116. The logged events include code entry attempts, and door open and door closes sensed by door sensor 130.

[00033] Delivery of orders [00034] At step 204, the user interface 106 receives an access code from the deliverer. The access code is typically the tracking number of the delivery, but could be some other type of PIN. If the user interface 106 is sleeping, the deliverer can wake up the system 100 by actuating the wakeup actuator 108 prior to entering the code. The deliverer will have three attempts to enter the correct access code, or will otherwise be prohibited from attempting to enter another code for a predetermined period of time (e.g. 5 minutes).

[00035] At step 206, the controller 104 releases the door 103 to the secured delivery space responsive to receipt of the correct access code. The user interface 106 displays a message 'door will open in 5 seconds'. After 5 seconds, the processor 112 illuminates a green button and actuates the strike release 102 via relay 126 so that the door 103 can be opened. The user interface screen will change to 'Door Open Screen', instructing the deliverer what to do next and advising of some safety information. After placing goods in the securable space, the door 103 is closed by the deliverer and the displayed user interface screen will change to the 'Door Closed Screen'.

[00036] At query step 208, 'Door Closed Screen' of the user interface 106 queries whether the deliverer wants to 'Terminate Access Code' in the event that the delivery is complete, or 'Keep Access Code' in the event that further packages need to be delivered into the secure space to fulfil the delivery. 7 2016222427 01 Sep 2016 [00037] If the deliverer elects to keep the access code, the method returns to step 204 whereby the secure space can be re-entered to deliver further packages using the existing access code.

[00038] If the deliverer terminates the code by actuating the code terminator actuator 110, the delivery is complete and the method proceeds to step 210. The door 103 will no longer be released by the controller 104 responsive to receipt of the now terminated access code.

[00039] At step 210, the user interface 106 receives electronic contact details of the deliverer. The user interface 106 allows the deliverer to nominate an email address to receive an email regarding the delivery. The email will not be sent until an Administrator has reviewed and confirmed the delivery. The email is created by the Administrator, and may contain information about satisfaction with the delivery, condition of goods, whether all goods are present and an attached copy of the stored event log. A copy of this email can also be sent to the vendor of the package. The electrical access system 100 is placed to sleep so as to conserve power.

[00040] Figure 3 shows various floorplan layouts 300a-d of the electrical access system 100. Figures 3a,b show floor plans where a delivery room 302 is integrated in a house. Instead, Figures 3c,d show floor plans where the delivery room 302 is attached to a house, and can be in the form of a shed.

[00041] Each layout 300 includes a room 302 defining the secured delivery space 304. Each room 302 includes the electronically releasable door 103, as well as a separate deadlocked door 306. Each room 302 is fitted with the external user interface 106 and the internal controller 104.

[00042] Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment whereby the external user interface 106 merely includes a keypad 400. The internal controller 104 includes the processor 112, software 114 and database 116 safely located in the delivery room 302 for improved security. Furthermore, the electric strike 102 can be replaced by a garage door opener (GDO) for opening a garage door. Like reference numerals refer to like features previously described. 2016222427 01 Sep 2016 8 [00043] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the ambit of the present invention.

[00044] In one embodiment, the secured delivery space 304 includes a refrigerator or other cold storage for storing perishable goods and medicine, for example. The room 302 may also include lockable lockers.

[00045] In one embodiment, the user interface 106 may include a wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) receiver for wirelessly receiving the access code from an electronic device (e.g. PDA) carried by the deliverer.

[00046] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[00047] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

Claims (22)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. An electrical access system for accessing a secured delivery space, the system including: an electric release which can release an access to the secured delivery space; an actuator for actuating the electric release responsive to receipt of an access code using a user interface; and the user interface for receiving the access code, and for further receiving an access termination so that the actuator will no longer actuate the release responsive to receipt of the access code.
2. 2. An electrical access system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the access code can be reused to access the secured delivery space multiple times before access termination.
3. 3. An electrical access system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the secured delivery space includes a room.
4. 4. An electrical access system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secured delivery space includes a refrigerator or other cold storage.
5. 5. An electrical access system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the access includes a door or garage door.
6. 6. An electrical access system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric release includes an electric strike or a garage door opener (GDO).
7. 7. An electrical access system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface may include a keypad located external the delivery space with the associated processing circuitry located internal the delivery space.
8. 8. An electrical access system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system includes a digital processor.
9. 9. An electrical access system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator includes an electrical controller, in turn, including a control housing.
10. 10. An electrical access system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control housing is located internal to the secured delivery space.
11. 11. An electrical access system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a back-up battery for powering the electrical access system.
12. 12. An electrical access system as claimed in claim 11, further including a charger for charging the battery. T
13. 13. An electrical access system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the battery and charger are located in a control housing, in turn, located internal to the secured delivery space.
14. 14. An electrical access system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a solar or mains power supply for powering the electrical access system.
15. 15. An electrical access system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a relay for relaying a signal to the electric release.
16. 16. An electrical access system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a relay driver.
17. 17. An electrical access system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a logger for logging operational events of the electrical access system.
18. 18. An electrical access method for accessing a secured delivery space, the method including: receiving an access code; releasing an access to the secured delivery space responsive to receipt of the access code; and receiving an access termination so that the access will no longer be released responsive to receipt of the access code.
19. 19. An electrical access method as claimed in claim 18, further involving processing details of a delivery.
20. 20. An electrical access method as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, further involving prompting for access termination.
21. 21. An electrical access method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, further involving retaining the code for further access.
22. 22. An electrical access method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, further involving receiving electronic contact details.